Moerner Joins SAB

July 19, 2017

Welch Foundation Names Moerner to Scientific Advisory Board

HOUSTON, July 19, 2017 – The Welch Foundation, one of the nation’s largest sources of private funding for basic research in chemistry, welcomes W. E. Moerner, Stanford University, as the newest member of its Scientific Advisory Board.

“The Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Board provides invaluable guidance to our mission of advancing basic research in chemistry to improve lives,” said Charles W. Tate, chair, Welch board of directors. “The caliber of this notable group, which includes some of the world’s most accomplished scientists, is testament to the value of fundamental research and we are pleased to welcome Dr. Moerner to its ranks.”

The Harry S. Mosher Professor of Chemistry and Professor, by courtesy, of Applied Physics at Stanford, Dr. Moerner conducts research in physical chemistry and chemical physics of single molecules, single-molecule biophysics, super-resolution imaging and tracking in cells, and trapping of single molecules in solution. He has been elected to the National Academy of Sciences and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, among other scientific organizations. His work has been recognized with the 2014 Nobel Prize in Chemistry as well as other major awards including the Earle K. Plyler Prize for Molecular Spectroscopy, the Irving Langmuir Prize in Chemical Physics, the Pittsburgh Spectroscopy Award, the Peter Debye Award in Physical Chemistry and the Wolf Prize in Chemistry.

“The Welch Foundation plays a truly critical role in supporting basic research in chemistry,” Dr. Moerner said. “Since I grew up in Texas, I am very happy to give back in this way to the Lone Star State. But the Foundation’s impact extends well beyond Texas – where the bulk of its research dollars is put to work – to the country and the world. I am honored to be able to contribute to Welch’s important mission.”

“Dr. Moerner will bring wisdom and critical insight to The Welch Foundation and its mission,” said Peter B. Dervan, Scientific Advisory Board chair. “We are fortunate that such a distinguished scientist will join us in Houston to forward the scientific vision to support fundamental discoveries and innovation in the chemical sciences.”

The Houston-based Welch Foundation advances science through research and departmental grants, funding of endowed chairs, an annual chemical conference and support for other chemistry-related programs. The Foundation annually bestows both the Welch Award in Chemistry, honoring achievement in basic research internationally, and the Norman Hackerman Award in Chemical Research to recognize the accomplishments of chemical scientists in Texas who are early in their careers. Since its founding in 1954, Welch has contributed more than $866 million as part of its mission to support basic chemical research that improves life.